Take Back the Night offers survivors of sexual violence, allies, families, and members of the community a supportive space to tell our stories and speak out against sexual harassment and violence.

The Illinois State University chapter of FLAME will host a Take Back the Night rally and march on Thursday, October 25. The rally will begin at 6 p.m. at the flag pole on the Illinois State’s Quad, followed by a march through campus and Uptown. The event is open to all genders.

“We are tired, and we are angry in a culture that accepts sexual violence as the norm,” said Emma Lynn, president of Illinois State’s Feminist Led Activist Movement to Empower (FLAME) student organization. “Take Back the Night offers us a way to let our campus and community know that we will not be silenced. Survivors and those who support them are not going anywhere, and we gather at this powerful event to be heard loud and clear.”

There will also be a candlelight vigil in Uptown Circle after the march to honor those who have passed as a result of sexual assault and domestic violence. Information will be available on the YWCA’s Stepping Stones program, which has a 24-hour-rape crisis hotline, support groups, and counseling services free for assault survivors.

For more information, contact the Women’s and Gender Studies Program at (309) 438-2947, email wgstudies@ilstu.edu, or go to the ISU FLAME page on Facebook.